The Cost of a Trip between Chapel Hill, NC, and Garner, NC: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a trip between Chapel Hill and Garner involves driving about 35 miles on the US-15 South, US-501 South, and US-70 East routes. The distance may not be a problem for those who own fuel-efficient vehicles or those who do not mind spending extra on gas. But, considering the current cost of gas, it is crucial to plan ahead and choose the best route to minimize fuel expenses. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight their total cost, and recommend the most cost-effective option.

Possible Routes and Estimated Costs

Route 1: US-15 South

Taking the US-15 South route involves driving through Pittsboro and Sanford before reaching Garner. It is estimated to take about an hour and 20 minutes to complete the journey.

Based on current gas prices, the average cost per gallon is $2.83. Since the distance is approximately 36 miles, a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon will consume about 1.44 gallons to complete the journey. Therefore, the estimated fuel cost for this route is $4.07.

Route 2: US-501 South

This route involves driving through Durham, Bahama, and Rougemont before joining the US-15 South route and completing the journey. It is estimated to take about an hour and 30 minutes.

Since the journey consists of two separate routes, the total distance is about 40 miles. Using the same average gas cost and mileage as Route 1, the estimated fuel cost for this route is $5.05.

Route 3: I-40 East and US-70 East

The final route involves taking the I-40 East route from Chapel Hill and joining the US-70 East route before reaching Garner. This route is the shortest, with an estimated duration of 50 minutes.

Using the same average gas cost and mileage as Route 1 and 2, the estimated fuel cost for this route is $3.55.

Recommendation

Based on the estimated costs and travel times, it is recommended to take Route 3. Even though it has a shorter duration than the other routes, it is also the most cost-effective option for the trip.

Conclusion

Taking a trip between Chapel Hill and Garner may seem like a short distance, but it is crucial to consider the current cost of gas and plan ahead to minimize fuel expenses. Based on our analysis, the recommended route is to take the I-40 East and US-70 East route, with an estimated fuel cost of $3.55 and a travel time of about 50 minutes.